Apprenticeship is an on the job training which is also combined with the off the job training and achieving a formal qualification at the end. Paragon Apprenticeships are delivered by blended learning method; offline and online, also at the employers site. At the end of Apprenticeships, you will be able to gain the skills and knowledge required to progress into your chosen career, or on to the next level of Apprenticeships. At the end of your Apprenticeships you will be able to achieve a nationally recognised qualification and this also includes Functional skills Maths and English.

Apprenticeship working hours must be minimum 30 hours per week and the apprenticeship duration must be minimum 12 months. There are different Apprenticeship levels and these are;

(Intermediate): GCSEs at grades A* to C

(Advanced): A-levels at grades A to E

(Higher): foundation degree

(Higher): foundation degree/first year of bachelor’s degree

(Degree): bachelor’s degree

(Degree): master’s degree

There are set minimum wages for an Apprentice and current minimum wage for an apprentice is £3.70 per hour. This pay rate applies if you’re under 19, or if you’re aged 19 or over and are in your first year of your apprenticeships. However an apprentice must be paid the national minimum wage for their age if an apprentice aged 19 or over and have completed their first year of apprenticeships. The national minimum wage is currently set at £5.90 for 18- to-20-year-olds, £7.38 for 21- to 24-year-olds and £7.83 for those aged 25 and over. As these pay rates are set on minimum wages, employers can always pay more and additional benefits to encourage the Apprentices, or set the Apprentice salary on a higher rate.

Entry Requirements:

Entry requirements differ for each Apprenticeship standard.

(Intermediate): GCSEs at grades A* to C: There are no additional requirements, except you must be minimum of 16 years old.

(Advanced): A-levels at grades A to E: For an Advanced level, you should have minimum of three to four GCSE grade between A to C. You must also demonstrate that you have some previous work experience in the area of apprenticeship.

(Higher): foundation degree: For an Advanced level, you should have minimum of three to four GCSE grade between A to C and a level 3 qualification in the area of chosen apprenticeship.

(Higher): foundation degree/first year of bachelor’s degree:level 4 qualification in the area of chosen apprenticeship.

(Degree): bachelor’s degree: level 5qualifications in the area of chosen apprenticeship.

(Degree): master’s degree: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent level 4 qualifications, with a number of years of previous experience